The Arkansaw traveler., 1887-06-11
Written for The Arkdnsdw Trdueler.
 THE SERVICE OF MAN.
BY FRED. S. RYMAN.

Atheists, Spiritualists, Agnostics, and others who have endeavored to formulate something better out of the present chaos of creeds, will be inter- ested in knowing of a new departure taken by MT. T. Cotter Morrison un- der the title of "The Service of Man: An Essay Towards the Religion of the Future"
 MT. Morrison's propositions may be thus put without abridgement in his own words:
 "1. That a widespread tendency ex- ists in this, and still more in other countries, to give up belief in Chris tianity. And that the scepticism of the present day is very far more seri- ous and scientific than was the deism of the last century.
 "2. That the supposed cancellations of Christianity have been much exag- gerated. And that it may be ques- toned whether that religion does not often produce as much anxiety and mental distress as it does of joy, glad ness and content.
 8. That by the great doctrine of forgiveness of sins consequent on re- pentance, even in the last moment of life Christianity often favors spirit uality and salvation at the expense of morals.
 A. That the morality of the Ages of Faith was very low; and that the fur ther we go back into times when be- lief was strongest, the worse it is found to be.
 ''5. That Christianity has very limited influence on the world at large: but most powerful effect on certain high-toned natures, who, by becoming true saints, produce an immense inn pression on public opinion, and give that religion much of the honor which it enjoys.
 "6. That although the self-devotion of saints is not only beyond question, but supremely beautiful and attractive; yet, as a means of relieving human suf- tering and serving man in the wid- est sense, it is not to be compared for efficiency with science"
 The review of Mir. Morrison in the London AthenGUm has been copied by John B. Alden's Library Mog0ziae i'll this country. The following is the introduction, which may serve to show how such ideas are now received in Episcopal England that less than century ago so utterly ostracised By ron and Shelley for similar views:
 GG
 ''This book is the most powerful at tack on Christianity that has been produced in England during this gen. eration. That may be because the op- ponents of current beliefs have not for the most part cared to assail them di- rectly, but have preferred to under mine by explaining them. The solvent of historical criticism has done more toward bringing about decay of faith than any direct impeachment. And one other consideration has prob ably been active in deterring leaders of thought who are undoubtedly not Christian, from openly attacking Christianity; they having nothing to set in its place, and they naturally shrink from a merely negative on- slaught. MT. Morrison speaks as if he had something positive to offer instead of the dogmas he would de- pose"
 Whether Theosophy (Occultism) or Spiritualism will offer any real re- tlex action to the present tide of Ma teralism can hardly be stated at this time, but certain it is old forms of faith are now dying very fast, and all are anxiously awaiting the dawn of the future light.